Rescue Workers will be Honored in Florida

MARK BERMAN On May 17, 2005

A veteran firefighter known for his efforts to research child drowning and prevention, and several Fort Lauderdale fire-rescue units are among those to be honored at a breakfast Wednesday as ''EMS Heroes'' by the North Broward Medical Center.

Capt. Jeff Andrews, an 18-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services and a Plantation resident, was selected from some 600 people in his department, said fire department spokesman Todd LeDuc. That ''speaks volumes of his commitment,'' LeDuc said.

The breakfast, which is held during National EMS Week and during National Trauma Awareness Month, is sponsored by the trauma services department at North Broward Medical Center. The fire departments choose which firefighters will be honored.

''It's our opportunity to honor them for everything they do for our patients,'' said Paula Cassel, the trauma unit's program manager who is hosting the 12th annual Emergency Medical Services Recognition Breakfast.